logo
Squid Game season three breaks Netflix viewership record

Squid Game season three breaks Netflix viewership record

The Guardian18 hours ago
The third and final season of hit Korean series Squid Game has broken records to achieve the biggest ever TV launch for Netflix.
Over its first three days, there have been over 60.1m views, a new high for the streamer with over 368.4m hours viewed. The second season launched with 68m views but over a four-day period last December.
It has already become the ninth biggest non-English language season ever with the first and second seasons occupying the top two slots.
Reviews have been mixed to positive with the Guardian's Rebecca Nicholson calling it 'nowhere near as pointed as it was' in previous seasons.
While this has been called the final season, David Fincher has been rumoured to be developing an English language remake for the streamer. The director has worked with Netflix before on political drama series House of Cards, film industry biopic Mank and Michael Fassbender action thriller The Killer. Earlier this year, it was announced that he would work with them once again to direct a sequel to Once Upon a Time in Hollywood based on a script by Quentin Tarantino.
The streamer has already found success with competition spin-off Squid Game: The Challenge with a second season on the way.
When asked about future Squid Game projects, series creator Hwang Dong-hyuk told Variety that he hadn't heard anything official yet about a remake.
'If they wanted to do a following season, then I think it's obvious I would have to participate and lead,' he said. 'But if it's the US version that they're making, I think sharing of ideas would be enough. I have no intention of being completely hands-on in a project like that. Having said that, if Netflix asks and if I feel like my contribution is needed, then as long as it's not something that would interfere with whatever I'm working on at that time, I would be happy to provide what they need from me.'
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Bridgerton star Simone Ashley: I feel ‘safe and comfortable' filming sex scenes
Bridgerton star Simone Ashley: I feel ‘safe and comfortable' filming sex scenes

BreakingNews.ie

time33 minutes ago

  • BreakingNews.ie

Bridgerton star Simone Ashley: I feel ‘safe and comfortable' filming sex scenes

Bridgerton star Simone Ashley has said she feels 'very safe and comfortable' when filming raunchy scenes in the show. The Sex Education actor, who is about to release her debut album, described hit Netflix show Bridgerton as 'fantasy'. Advertisement She told Harper's Bazaar: 'It's about, 'What if?' and how love conquers all. 'Bridgerton represents nudity with a sense of romance, and I felt very safe and comfortable in what I was choosing to show to the world.' The fourth season of the regency era drama series is due to be released next year, with Simone telling the magazine: ''That show just gets bigger and bigger. 'Everyone has gone off to do incredible things, but we come back and it's like time hasn't moved.' Advertisement She also spoke of moving to Los Angeles by herself when she was just 18, adding: 'I was really scrappy. 'Since I was little, if I wanted something, I would do anything I could to get it. So, I took some modelling jobs to pay the bills and got into acting through that.' Ashley, who appears on the digital cover of the magazine, said her album was made following a recent break-up. She said: 'It's going to be somewhat confessional … and beautiful and messy. Advertisement 'Good songs don't come from times when my life is regimented and predictable. 'They come when I am feeling vitality, and usually you either feel that way when your heart's broken, or you're euphoric. 'This work has been an amazing channel to put all those feelings into.'

Neil Gaiman allegations explained as Netflix is hours from Sandman season 2
Neil Gaiman allegations explained as Netflix is hours from Sandman season 2

Metro

time38 minutes ago

  • Metro

Neil Gaiman allegations explained as Netflix is hours from Sandman season 2

Neil Gaiman is facing serious sexual assault allegations (Picture: Netflix / Getty) The long-awaited second season of The Sandman, adapted from Neil Gaiman's beloved comic book series, is hours from dropping on Netflix. The streaming service has already confirmed that this will be the last we see of Dream (Tom Sturridge), in an announcement that came in the wake of sexual misconduct allegations levied against Gaiman, who co-developed the show from his comics. The second season is set to focus on Dream and his epic final journey as he looks to rebuild his kingdom. But the show has been dogged by the accusations against Gaiman, which sent shockwaves through his fanbase earlier this year. The first six episodes will drop on Thursday (July 3), with the second five arriving later this month on July 24. Netflix also released a teaser trailer for The Sandman season two, which does not mention Gaiman by name. The showrunner, Allan Heinberg, notably also did not mention Gaiman or the allegations when he shared a statement about the show's upcoming conclusion. Get personalised updates on all things Netflix Wake up to find news on your TV shows in your inbox every morning with Metro's TV Newsletter. Sign up to our newsletter and then select your show in the link we'll send you so we can get TV news tailored to you. 'The Sandman series has always been focused exclusively on Dream's story, and back in 2022, when we looked at the remaining Dream material from the comics, we knew we only had enough story for one more season,' he told Netflix's Tudum. Gaiman co-developed the show from his comics (Picture:for Writers Guild of America East) To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Up Next Previous Page Next Page A number of projects involving Gaiman across film and TV have either been paused or cancelled altogether – including Good Omens on Prime Video, which is now ending in a feature-length episode without Gaiman's involvement. Neil Gaiman's sexual allegations explained The allegations against Gaiman were first made in 2024, when a Tortoise Media podcast series detailed the claims of five women, two of whom accused Gaiman of sexual assault. Then, further allegations were made against Gaiman in a report in New York Magazine in January, which spoke to eight women, four of whom were also involved in the Tortoise podcast. The alleged behaviour included assault, abuse and coercion. Gaiman's accusers are adults, all of whom are younger than the 64-year-old author, including one who is nearly 40 years his junior. One of these women, Scarlett Pavlovich, said she was 22 when she first met Gaiman's ex-wife and punk cabaret musician Amanda Palmer in New Zealand and started to babysit the couple's child. A civil suit has been filed (Picture: Lorne Thomson/Redferns) Gaiman has strenuously denied the allegations (Picture:for Picturehouse) It was during this time that she claims Gaiman repeatedly assaulted her, including one instance in which she claims he did so while his son was in the room. Pavlovich has since filed a civil lawsuit in Massachusetts against Gaiman and his estranged wife, Palmer, accusing Gaiman of repeatedly sexually assaulting her while she was working as the couple's nanny. The lawsuit reportedly accuses Gaiman of rape, coercion and human trafficking. Palmer is accused of 'procuring and presenting' her to Gaiman 'for such abuse', according to The Guardian. She is seeking at least seven million dollars (£5.6 million) in damages. Gaiman has strenuously denied the allegations. 'I'm far from a perfect person, but I have never engaged in non-consensual sexual activity with anyone. Ever,' he wrote in a statement shared on his website in January. 'Some of the horrible stories now being told simply never happened, while others have been so distorted from what actually took place that they bear no relationship to reality,' the statement continued. 'I am prepared to take responsibility for any missteps I made. I'm not willing to turn my back on the truth, and I can't accept being described as someone I am not, and cannot and will not admit to doing things I didn't do.' After the New York magazine article, a representative for Palmer said she was 'profoundly disturbed' by the allegations. The musician wrote on social media: 'As there are ongoing custody and divorce proceedings, I am not able to offer public comment. Please understand that I am first and foremost a parent. I ask for privacy at this time.' Was Neil Gaiman involved in The Sandman season 2? Gaiman was not as involved in the second season (Picture:) When the show's executive producer, David Goyer, spoke about the second season, he emphasised he personally 'never glimpsed any of this', referring to the allegations. He told Variety: 'When the accusations first came out, I think we were three weeks from finishing filming Season 2 — so we were very, very far down the path.' He went on to say that Gaiman 'wasn't as involved in season two as he was in season one'. He continued: 'Obviously, it's complicated. I have tremendous respect for women that come forward in those situations. It's really concerning, but I know that Netflix, at the time, felt, 'God, we spent two years making this thing. There's all these actors and writers and directors involved that, if we didn't air it, wouldn't be fully compensated for it.' 'So we just decided, we're going to let this work speak for itself. But I'd be crazy to say it wasn't weird.' Has The Sandman been cancelled? The second season wraps up with a two-part release (Picture: Mike Marsland/WireImage ) The first season of The Sandman arrived in 2022, but it has taken years to get the second instalment onto the streaming platform. The announcement that the second season would be The Sandman's last came in January, shortly after the sexual misconduct allegations were levied against Gaiman. However, Variety reported that the Netflix powers that be had decided the second season would be the last prior to filming in 2023 – before the accusations in the Tortoise Media podcast in 2024. This was something executive producer Goyer also reiterated to the publication, saying the ending was planned over two years ago now. 'We had a lot of discussions, Allan [Heinberg, showrunner] and I, with Netflix. And obviously we love the books, but one of the concerns about some of the story arcs is that Dream isn't in them very much,' he said. 'And the other thing was, even though the original comic book run was 75 issues, we just ended up burning through story faster than we thought we would.' 'When we talked through it, we felt, let's make a slightly bigger season 2 and take it through to the end. There's always the possibility that we could do some of the other spinoff material, if you will,' Goyer said. Metro contacted Neil Gaiman and Amanda Palmer's representatives for further comment. The Sandman season 2 part one will be available to stream on Netflix from July 3. Learn more about Rape Crisis England & Wales Rape Crisis England & Wales is a feminist charity working to end rape, sexual assault, sexual harassment, child sexual abuse – and all other forms of sexual violence. Whether it happened recently, or a long time ago; whether you know without a doubt that you experienced sexual violence, or aren't quite sure; whether it happened to you, or someone you know; Rape Crisis England & Wales will always believe you and listen to you, and they can offer you information and support. You can find out more about Rape Crisis England & Wales here; and if you're aged 16 or over, you can call the charity's 24/7 support line for free on 0808 500 2222. Arrow MORE: Hit Netflix series smashes records with 60,100,000 views in just 3 days Arrow MORE: Bridgerton star 'relieved' after prolific thief who targeted her faces 22 months in jail Arrow MORE: Netflix fans rush to binge 'obscenely watchable' period drama after just one day

Prime Video adds sci-fi thriller that's odd mix of Inception and Fight Club
Prime Video adds sci-fi thriller that's odd mix of Inception and Fight Club

Wales Online

timean hour ago

  • Wales Online

Prime Video adds sci-fi thriller that's odd mix of Inception and Fight Club

Prime Video adds sci-fi thriller that's odd mix of Inception and Fight Club Some fans have been left stunned by the Ben Affleck film Hypnotic trailer Prime Video's latest addition is an 'preposterous' action thriller that has left some viewers astounded with its 'mind blowing' conclusion. The film, titled Hypnotic, is now accessible for streaming on the retailer's service, and it's crucial not to confuse it with a different movie of the same name that's exclusively available on Netflix; they're entirely separate works. ‌ Distinctive on Amazon's premier subscription platform is the version starring Ben Affleck in the central role. In this thrills-packed narrative, Affleck embodies Detective Danny Rourke, a man on a relentless search for his vanished daughter. ‌ As Rourke delves into a sequence of reality-altering crimes, he embarks on a descent down a metaphorical rabbit hole. Teaming up with Diana Cruz, a supremely talented psychic, he faces both the hunt and the haunting by a deadly phantom – the singular individual he surmises to hold the clue to locating his child. The film is described as an unusual mix of Inception and Fight Club (Image: Ketchup Entertainment ) The cinematic piece has garnered comparisons to a bare-bones version of Inception by fans and critics alike, with noted movie reviewer Mark Kermode proclaiming it 'preposterous' from beginning to end, reports Surrey Live. Article continues below Another retrospective opinion on the 2023 flick reads quite differently: "(The film) channels the energy of Inception, Tenet, even Now You See Me to some extent. It's far from Affleck's highest-rated movie, that's for sure, but it's brilliantly trippy and I thought it was a good dash of fun." The film has found some supporters among viewers, with one arguing that it showcases an original concept with a unique delivery style, drawing comparisons to films like Inception and Fight Club. They commented: "The idea was somewhat original, especially in its delivery. It's similar to Inception with twists like Fight Club. This film was entertaining, it holds your attention, although some people will guess the plot twist from the beginning but it keeps you guessing." Get Prime Video free for 30 days This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more £8.99 £0 Amazon Get Prime Video here Product Description TV lovers can get 30 days' free access to tantalising TV like The Boys, Reacher and Clarkson's Farm by signing up to Amazon Prime. Just remember to cancel at the end and you won't be charged. ‌ Another fan shared a similar sentiment, praising the movie as a gripping thriller that culminates in a mind-blowing climax. They wrote: "Hypnotic is a gripping thriller with a mind blowing climax. I was pleasantly surprised. From the very first scene, the film grabbed my attention and refused to let go. Affleck delivers a compelling performance, effectively conveying a range of emotions that resonated with me. The antagonist, despite limited screen time, makes a significant impact, leaving a lasting impression." This viewer further commended the climax, saying: "The true highlight of the film, however, is the climax. The final 20 minutes are filled with twists and turns that completely blew my mind. I was left eagerly anticipating a potential sequel. Hypnotic is a thrilling ride that I highly recommend to anyone who enjoys suspenseful cinema." Many fans praise the film's ending (Image: Ketchup Entertainment ) Article continues below Additionally, another viewer expressed their surprise at how much they enjoyed the film, stating: "I expected this to be mediocre because I didn't hear much about it when it was released. I decided to watch it because I think Ben Affleck is probably an underrated actor. "At the end of the day it was a good thriller. It held my attention. It is suspenseful and very good acting, and the female lead , Alice Braga is also an excellent actress. I would recommend this film to anybody. Surpassed my expectations." Hypnotic is streaming on Prime Video.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store